Italian-Style Baked Frittata: A Versatile Dish Perfect for Using Up Leftovers
A Hearty Italian Baked Frittata with Assorted Ingredients
Here’s an Italian-style baked frittata, a wonderful dish to make with any leftover ingredients you have in the fridge. It’s a delightful way to combine tender eggs with flavorful vegetables and savory bacon, making it an excellent choice for brunch or a light meal. Enjoy a special meal with simple ingredients.
Main Ingredients- 6 eggs
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 120g thick-cut bacon (about 6-7 slices)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 4 green onions
- 120g fresh spinach
- A little butter (for the oven dish)
Seasoning- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, crack 6 eggs into a clean bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently whisk the eggs with a fork until the whites and yolks are just combined. Avoid over-whisking to prevent too much foam, as this can affect the texture.
Step 2
Wash the green onions, trim off the root ends and tough outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise, then thinly across into bite-sized pieces. This will help them release their flavor beautifully as they cook.
Step 3
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach under running water to remove any dirt. Chop it into approximately 4cm lengths. Cut the bacon into small cubes, about 1cm in size. Having all your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 4
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. Once the bacon has rendered some of its fat, add the sliced green onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
When the green onions begin to soften and wilt slightly, add the chopped spinach to the pan. Stir-fry gently until the spinach wilts down, which should only take a minute or two. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes in total until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. This vegetable mixture is now ready.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously butter an oven-safe dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the frittata. Spread the sautéed vegetable and bacon mixture evenly in the bottom of the buttered dish. Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the vegetables. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown on top.
Step 7
For an extra layer of flavor and appeal, you can mix some shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan) into the egg mixture before baking. Alternatively, sprinkle cheese over the top just before serving. I personally prefer to sprinkle cheese on top after it’s baked, letting it melt into the warm frittata. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!
